When Ya Levis last stepped onto a Kenyan stage, it became a shared moment etched into the memory of both artiste and audience.
The Congolese sensation, known for his silky vocals and charged delivery, recalls that night with a sense of awe that still lingers.
“Honestly, that night really left a mark on me,” he says. “What I remember most is the incredible energy of the Kenyan audience, a pure, sincere energy that you feel as soon as you step on stage.”
For Ya Levis, Kenya is not just another stop on a tour circuit; it is a place where his music feels understood. He speaks of fans who sang along word for word, who moved with him in rhythm, creating what he describes as a rare and powerful connection.
“The fans were completely connected… they knew the songs, they vibed with me from start to finish,” he says, adding with a playful charm, “And I won’t lie. I also really appreciated the beauty and charm of the women who were there that night.”
That connection, he believes, stems from sincerity. His music rooted in love, vulnerability, and melody, has found fertile ground in Kenya’s vibrant and emotionally expressive audience.
“Everything I’ve always brought musically comes from deep within me,” he explains. “And I think it’s exactly that sincerity that touched and resonated with listeners in Kenya.” It is this authenticity that has allowed his sound to transcend borders, making him a beloved figure far beyond his home country.
Yet behind the confident performer is a story of doubt one that Kenya, in many ways, helped rewrite. Before his East African breakthrough, he admits, he was uncertain about his path. “I was in a period of doubt. I didn’t even know if I should continue making music,” he says. “And East Africa proved me wrong.”
The experience reignited his passion, anchoring his commitment to his craft. “I will never stop thanking them from the bottom of my heart for all the support they give me.”
Now, he returns with a renewed sense of purpose and a new sonic offering that marks a bold creative step.
His latest release, The Spiritual Melody, departs from his signature lyrical style, embracing instead a purely melodic expression.
“This song is quite special to me because it’s the first time I’ve created a track based purely on melodies, without any lyrics,” he says.
“Honestly, I let myself be guided by the Holy Spirit throughout its creation.” The result is a piece that feels deeply introspective, almost meditative, signaling an artiste unafraid to explore new dimensions of his sound.
This evolution reflects a deeper clarity in his artistic identity. Where earlier works were exploratory, his current phase is defined by confidence and self-assurance. “Today I have a clearer understanding of who I am artistically,” he notes. “I embrace my choices, my influences, and my sound identity much more.”
Even as his music evolves, one theme remains constant: love. Often described as a modern ambassador of romance in African music, he sees love as both timeless and universal.
“I think love is a universal theme. Something everyone experiences in one way or another,” he says. “In my music, it’s a way to create a connection with people, because everyone can relate to it.”
His appeal, however, extends beyond music. With a magnetic stage presence and a carefully cultivated image, he has become something of a heartthrob.
Yet he insists that authenticity remains his anchor. “Image is part of the job, but for me, what matters most is that what I show stays connected to who I really am,” he explains. “Finding balance means never getting lost in a character.”
As African music continues its global ascent, Ya Levis stands as part of a new generation carrying the legacy of Congolese rumba into the future.
“African music is finally taking the place it has deserved for a long time,” he says with pride. “Rumba, in particular, has incredible richness and history, and today it’s evolving and modernizing while keeping its essence.”
Looking ahead, he hints at more to come, including a larger project set for release in 2027. But for now, his focus remains on deepening the connection with audiences, especially in Kenya. “I’m coming with new energy, maybe new sounds, and above all, an even stronger desire to create a real moment with them,” he promises.
And beyond the stage, it is Kenya’s spirit that continues to inspire him. “There’s something very lively here. A unique vibe that always makes me feel good,” he says. “People are warm, interactions are genuine, and it gives me a lot of inspiration.”
To his Kenyan fans, he says, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support, your energy, and your love mean so much to me. Keep believing in me as I believe in you. This is only the beginning of the journey.”